Predictive immunohistochemical features for tumour response to chemoradiotherapy in rectal cancer

Background

Reduced expression of cluster of differentiation (CD) 133 and cyclo‐oxygenase (COX) 2, and increased density of CD8+ tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes, are associated with a favourable tumour response to preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT). This study aimed to evaluate these markers in relation to tumour response after preoperative CRT in two rectal cancer cohorts.

Methods

Patients with low rectal cancer who underwent radical resection and preoperative short‐term CRT in 2001–2007 (retrospective cohort) and long‐term CRT in 2011–2017 (prospective cohort) were analysed. Pretreatment biopsies were stained immunohistochemically using antibodies to determine CD133 and COX‐2 expression, and increased CD8+ density. Outcome measures were tumour regression grade (TRG), tumour downstaging and survival.

Results

For 95 patients in the retrospective cohort, the incidence of TRG 3–4 was 67 per cent when two or three immunohistochemistry (IHC) features were present, but only 20 per cent when there were fewer features (P < 0·001). The incidence of tumour downstaging was higher in patients with at least two IHC features (43 versus 22 per cent with fewer features; P = 0·029). The 49 patients in the prospective cohort had similar rates to those in the retrospective cohort (TRG 3–4: 76 per cent for two or more IHC features versus 25 per cent with fewer features, P < 0·001; tumour downstaging: 57 versus 25 per cent respectively, P = 0·022). Local recurrence‐free survival rates in patients with more or fewer IHC features were similar in the retrospective and prospective cohort (P = 0·058 and P = 0·387 respectively).

Conclusion

Assessment of CD133, COX‐2 and CD8 could be useful in predicting a good response to preoperative CRT in patients with lower rectal cancer undergoing neoadjuvant therapy. Further studies are needed to validate the results in larger cohorts and investigate a survival benefit.

IL-36α from Skin-Resident Cells Plays an Important Role in the Pathogenesis of Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasiform Dermatitis by Forming a Local Autoamplification Loop

IL-36α (gene symbol Il1f6), a member of the IL-36 family, is closely associated with inflammatory diseases, including colitis and psoriasis. In this study, we found that Il1f6^-/- mice developed milder psoriasiform dermatitis upon treatment with imiquimod, a ligand for TLR ligand 7 (TLR7) and TLR8, whereas Il1f6^-/- mice showed similar susceptibility to dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis to wild-type mice. These effects were observed in both cohoused and separately housed conditions, and antibiotic treatment did not cancel the resistance of Il1f6^-/- mice to imiquimod-induced dermatitis. Bone marrow (BM) cell transfer revealed that IL-36α expression in skin-resident cells is important for the pathogenesis of dermatitis in these mice. Following stimulation with IL-36α, the expression of Il1f6 and Il1f9 (IL-36γ), but not Il1f8 (IL-36β), was enhanced in murine BM-derived Langerhans cells (BMLCs) and murine primary keratinocytes but not in fibroblasts from mice. Upon stimulation with agonistic ligands of TLRs and C-type lectin receptors (CLRs), Il1f6 expression was induced in BMLCs and BM-derived dendritic cells. Furthermore, IL-36α stimulation resulted in significantly increased gene expression of psoriasis-associated Th17-related cytokines and chemokines such as IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-23, CXCL1, and CXCL2 in BMLCs and fibroblasts, and IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-17C, and CXCL2 in keratinocytes. Collectively, these results suggest that TLR/CLR signaling-induced IL-36α plays an important role for the development of psoriasiform dermatitis by enhancing Th17-related cytokine/chemokine production in skin-resident cells via a local autoamplification loop.

Significant association of increased PD-L1 and PD-1 expression with nodal metastasis and a poor prognosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and its receptor PD-1 are immune checkpoint molecules that attenuate the immune response. Blockade of PD-L1 enhances the immune response in a variety of tumours and thus serves as an effective anti-cancer treatment. However, the biological and prognostic roles of PD-L1/PD-1 signalling in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain to be elucidated. The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation of PD-L1/PD-1 signalling with the prognosis of OSCC patients to assess its potential therapeutic relevance. The expression of PD-L1 and of PD-1 was determined immunohistochemically in 97 patients with OSCC and the association of this expression with clinicopathological characteristics was examined. Increased expression of PD-L1 was found in 64.9% of OSCC cases and increased expression of PD-1 was found in 61.9%. Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that increased expression of PD-L1 and PD-1 positively correlated with cervical lymph node metastasis. The expression of CD25, an activated T-cell marker, was negatively correlated with the labelling index of PD-L1 and PD-1. Moreover, the patient group with PD-L1-positive and PD-1-positive expression showed a more unfavourable prognosis than the group with PD-L1-negative and PD-1-negative expression. These data suggest that increased PD-L1 and PD-1 expression is predictive of nodal metastasis and a poor prognosis and is possibly involved in cancer progression via attenuating the immune response.

Serum carcinoembryonic antigen as a tumour marker in patients with endometrial cancer

BACKGROUND

No potential tumour markers have been validated for prognosis in endometrial cancer. However, carcinoembryonic antigen (cea) is one of the most widely used tumour markers in various types of cancer. Although cea expression in endometrial cancer has been investigated, its prognostic value remains controversial, and no studies have investigated serum cea levels in large case series. In the present study, we investigated diagnostic and prognostic applications of serum cea for endometrial cancer.

METHODS

This prospective study was approved by our Institutional Review Board. Between January 2006 and December 2012, serum cea was measured prospectively in 215 patients with endometrial cancer and was subsequently measured during treatment and at scheduled follow-up examinations in patients with elevated baseline serum cea.

RESULTS

During the study period, 215 patients (142 stage i, 19 stage ii, 32 stage iii, 22 stage iv) were treated for endometrial cancer. By the time of last follow-up, 52 had relapsed (24.2%), and the median follow-up duration was 45 months (range: 1-95 months). Elevated serum cea was identified in 25 patients (11.6%) and was associated with histologic type (p = 0.04), histologic grade (p = 0.03), and myometrial invasion depth (p = 0.01). Elevated serum cea was not related to clinical stage, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, age, menopausal status, or body mass index. Relapse of disease was related to elevated serum cea (p = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum cea is a potential prognostic indicator for endometrial cancer.

Krukenberg tumor in a 18-year-old-female: a rare case

BACKGROUND

Krukenberg tumors mostly occur after 40 years. Metastatic ovarian tumors in young age are very rare.

CASE

A 18-year-old female presented with colon cancer which was accompanied by Krukenberg tumor. The present case was a very rare case of metastatic ovarian tumor in very young age. The present patient presented with abdominal pain. On examination, colon tumor was detected and bilateral ovary were almost normal with only slight swelling. During the operation for colon tumor, biopsy of bilateral ovary was performed for histopathological evaluation. Although there were no specific findings in bilateral ovary, microscopic examination revealed poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, diffusely invading the ovarian parenchyma. Diagnosis of colon cancer was made postoperatively and ovarian Krukenberg tumor was confirmed.

CONCLUSION

In case of suspecting colon cancer even in very young patient with normal ovary, biopsy of ovary should be considered for the diagnosis of Krukenberg tumor.

Primary mediastinal choriocarcinoma with brain metastasis in a female patient

Nongestational choriocarcinoma is very rare and carries a poor prognosis in female patients. In this report, the authors present a case of nongestational choriocarcinoma with brain metastasis in a female. A 58-year-old female with intermittent back pain was referred to a private hospital. On examination, a mediastinal tumor and a pancreatic tumor were detected. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy of the tumor was performed for histological evaluation. Pathological diagnosis was difficult because only a small amount of tissue was collected. Head MRI showed multiple metastatic tumors in the brain. The patient was diagnosed with primary mediastinal choriocarcinoma with brain metastasis. She was treated with one course of an etoposide, methotrexate, dactinomycin, cyclophosphamide, and vincristine regimen, but her general condition gradually deteriorated, and she died on day 41. Nongestational choriocarcinoma is drug resistant, whereas gestational choriocarcinoma has better chemotherapeutic sensitivity.

CTRP6 is an endogenous complement regulator that can effectively treat induced arthritis

The complement system is important for the host defence against infection as well as for the development of inflammatory diseases. Here we show that C1q/TNF-related protein 6 (CTRP6; gene symbol C1qtnf6) expression is elevated in mouse rheumatoid arthritis (RA) models. C1qtnf6(-/-) mice are highly susceptible to induced arthritis due to enhanced complement activation, whereas C1qtnf6-transgenic mice are refractory. The Arthus reaction and the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis are also enhanced in C1qtnf6(-/-) mice and C1qtnf6(-/-) embryos are semi-lethal. We find that CTRP6 specifically suppresses the alternative pathway of the complement system by competing with factor B for C3(H2O) binding. Furthermore, treatment of arthritis-induced mice with intra-articular injection of recombinant human CTRP6 cures the arthritis. CTRP6 is expressed in human synoviocytes, and CTRP6 levels are increased in RA patients. These results indicate that CTRP6 is an endogenous complement regulator and could be used for the treatment of complement-mediated diseases.

Characterization and evolutionary analysis of tributyltin-binding protein and pufferfish saxitoxin and tetrodotoxin-binding protein genes in toxic and nontoxic pufferfishes

Understanding the evolutionary mechanisms of toxin accumulation in pufferfishes has been long-standing problem in toxicology and evolutionary biology. Pufferfish saxitoxin and tetrodotoxin-binding protein (PSTBP) is involved in the transport and accumulation of tetrodotoxin and is one of the most intriguing proteins related to the toxicity of pufferfishes. PSTBPs are fusion proteins consisting of two tandem repeated tributyltin-binding protein type 2 (TBT-bp2) domains. In this study, we examined the evolutionary dynamics of TBT-bp2 and PSTBP genes to understand the evolution of toxin accumulation in pufferfishes. Database searches and/or PCR-based cDNA cloning in nine pufferfish species (6 toxic and 3 nontoxic) revealed that all species possessed one or more TBT-bp2 genes, but PSTBP genes were found only in 5 toxic species belonging to genus Takifugu. These toxic Takifugu species possessed two or three copies of PSTBP genes. Phylogenetic analysis of TBT-bp2 and PSTBP genes suggested that PSTBPs evolved in the common ancestor of Takifugu species by repeated duplications and fusions of TBT-bp2 genes. In addition, a detailed comparison of Takifugu TBT-bp2 and PSTBP gene sequences detected a signature of positive selection under the pressure of gene conversion. The complicated evolutionary dynamics of TBT-bp2 and PSTBP genes may reflect the diversity of toxicity in pufferfishes.

Early operative treatment of anti-N-methyl D-aspartate (anti-NMDA) receptor encephalitis in a patient with ovarian teratoma

BACKGROUND

Anti-N-methyl D-aspartate (anti-NMDA) receptor encephalitis is often accompanied by ovarian teratoma. Early tumor resection is reported to be effective as a treatment.

CASE

A 21-year-old woman presented with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis which was accompanied by ovarian teratoma. The present case was a very rare case of an early stage of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis receiving operative treatment before confirming the presence of anti-NMDA receptor antibody. The diagnosis was established postoperatively by identifying anti-NMDA receptor antibody.

CONCLUSION

In case of suspecting anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis in a patient with ovarian teratoma, early operative treatment should be considered even before confirming the presence of anti-NMDA receptor antibody.

Primary peritoneal cancer: study of 14 cases and comparison with epithelial ovarian cancer

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION

Primary peritoneal carcinoma (PPC) is histologically similar to ovarian serous carcinoma, but its biochemical features remain obscure. The authors investigated and compared clinical findings, treatments, and outcomes of patients with PPS and those with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed data from 14 patients with PPC and 219 patients with EOC treated at the present hospital from January 2005 to December 2012, including demographic data, pathologic findings, treatments, and outcomes.

RESULTS

Patients with PPC were significantly older (62.6 ± 8.4 years) than those with EOC (56.3 ± 11.3 years) (p = 0.045). There was no significant difference in serum CA-125 levels. The five-year survival rates did not differ significantly between patients with PPC (61.1%) and those with EOC (60.3%; p = 0.78); nor between patients with PPC and those with Stage III serous EOC (43.8%; p = 0.40).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment strategies for EOC applied to PPC apparently led to similar survival patterns among the two patient groups. Cytoreductive surgery combined with pre/postoperative platinum-containing chemotherapy may be effective for PPC patients.

Chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia and clinical bleeding in patients with gynecologic malignancy

OBJECTIVES

Chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia seems to be a relevant problem and the risk or clinical bleeding in patients wim gynecologic malignancy is reported to be higher than other malignancy. In this study, the authors investigated chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia recently performed in all patients with gynecologic malignancy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 2009 and December 2011, the authors examined reported chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v.4.0. They analyzed the incidence and clinical features of chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia in patients with gynecologic malignancy.

RESULTS

During this period they administered over 1,614 infusions (29 regimens) to 291 patients. Chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia occurred in 43 (14.8%) patients over 56 (3.5%) chemotherapy cycles. Bleeding occurred in 13 (4.5%) patients over 14 (0.9%) cycles. Platelet transfusions were administered for eight (2.7%) patients over eight (0.5%) cycles. Median platelet count at platelet transfusions was 17,000 /μl. Chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia was associated with more than five previous chemotherapy cycles, previous radiotherapy, disseminated disease, distant metastatic disease, poor performance status, and taxane-including regimens. Clinical bleeding was associated with previous radiotherapy, distant metastatic disease, poor performance status, and taxane-including regimens.

CONCLUSIONS

Estimating bleeding risk factor such as previous radiotherapy, distant metastatic disease, poor performance status, and taxane-including regimens seem to be important for safe management of chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia.

The identification of sandfly species, from an area of Argentina with endemic leishmaniasis, by the PCR-based analysis of the gene coding for 18S ribosomal RNA

The area around Río Blanco, in the Orán department in the north of the Argentinian province of Salta, is endemic for American tegumentary leishmaniasis. In an attempt to facilitate the identification of the Lutzomyia species in this area, sequences of the gene coding for the 18S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) of sandflies caught in a Shannon trap were explored, by a combination of PCR and analysis of restriction-fragment-length polymorphism (RFLP). The products from the PCR, which employed two primers developed specifically for this study (Lu.18S 1S and Lu.18S AR), were cloned into a commercial vector (pGEM-T Easy) so that their nucleotide sequences could be investigated. In the RFLP analysis, the products of single and double digestion with the AfaI and HapII restriction enzymes were separated by electrophoresis in 3% or 4% agarose. Taken together with the results of a morphological investigation of the flies, the resultant DNA fragment patterns were sufficient to identify most of the sandflies caught as Lu. neivai. Although two other species, Lu. cortelezzii and Lu. sallesi, were collected, they were relatively rare and only identified morphologically. A single digestion of the 18S-rRNA gene sequences with AfaI or HapII appeared sufficient and useful for the identification of Lu. neivai from the north of Salta province, and for several other Lutzomyia species.

Late recurrence of malignant melanoma mimicking primary peritoneal cancer

BACKGROUND

Malignant melanoma is an extremely malignant tumor with an unpredictable metastatic profile with variable periods of remission.

CASE

A 41-year-old woman presented with recurrent malignant melanoma which had clinical features of an acute state mimicking primary peritoneal cancer. The case was an unusual recurrence of malignant melanoma occurring seven years after diagnosis and treatment of malignant melanoma in the patient's arm. The diagnosis was established postoperatively by immunohistochemistry.

CONCLUSION

A variety of imaging methods and pathological methods, including an exploratory laparotomy, may be necessary in cases of patients suspecting primary peritoneal cancer with a previous history of melanoma with possible metastatic dissemination. Urgent diagnosis and treatment of these patients seems to be critical.

Evaluation of the seventh edition of the tumour, node, metastasis (TNM) classification for colon cancer in two nationwide registries of the United States and Japan

AIM

The new TNM classification is currently being implemented. We evaluated the TNM-7 staging system based on the two nationwide colon cancer registries in the United States and Japan to clarify whether this system better stratifies patients' prognoses than the TNM-6 did and to determine whether stratification can be effectively simplified.

METHODS

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results population-based data from 1988 to 2001 for 50139 colon cancer patients and the multi-institutional registry data from the Japanese Society for Cancer of the Colon and Rectum from 1984 to 1994 for 10754 patients were analysed. We devised a modified version of the TNM-7 staging system to allow simpler classification of the TN categories and compared the TNM-6, TNM-7, modified TNM-7, and the Dukes staging system based on survival curves and objective statistical tests such as likelihood ratio χ(2) tests, Akaike's information criterion, and Harrell's c-index.

RESULTS

The TNM-7 was superior to the TNM-6 in all objective statistical tests in the United States (c-index; 0.700 vs 0.696, P<0.001) as well as in the Japan data sets (0.732 vs 0.729, P=0.035). The modified TNM-7 is much simpler, but it nevertheless showed similar values to those of the original TNM-7 (c-index; the United States 0.702, Japan 0.733).

CONCLUSIONS

  The new TNM-7 is complicated but better at stratifying patients than the TNM-6 in the United States and Japan, and could be effectively simplified.

Chemotherapy-related hypersensitivity reaction in Japanese patients with gynecologic malignancy

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION

Chemotherapy-related hypersensitivity reaction seems to be problematic in the safe management of chemotherapy. In this study we investigated chemotherapy-related hypersensitivity reaction in patients with gynecologic malignancy.

METHODS

Between January 2009 and December 2010, we examined hypersensitivity reaction (> or = grade2) using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v.4.0. We analyzed the incidence, clinical features, management, and outcome.

RESULTS

We administered over 1,057 infusions (24 regimens) to 205 patients. We found a total of four hypersensitivity reactions (> or = grade 2) cases (carboplatin: 2; nedaplatin: 1; docetaxel: 1). Signs and symptoms were varied. In two cases, the same regimen was rechallenged by using anti-allergic drugs. The docetaxel case was successful. The carboplatin case was not successful.

CONCLUSION

Chemotherapy-related hypersensitivity reaction (> or = grade2) does not occur frequently. In the case of platinum, especially, carboplatin, re-administering after hypersensitivity reaction should be done carefully though platinum is a key drug in patients with gynecologic malignancies.

Optimal margins and lymphadenectomy in colonic cancer surgery

Background

A standard management policy has not yet been established with respect to the extent of lymphadenectomy for colonic cancer.

Methods

A total of 914 consecutive patients who underwent potentially curative surgery for T2–T4 colonic cancer were reviewed retrospectively. The number of lymph nodes (LNs) examined and the potential contributions to the staging accuracy of the distinct area were analysed. The survival benefit of dissection was compared for pericolic (local), mesocolic (intermediate) and main arterial trunk (main) LN.

Results

Removal of the pericolic LNs within 5 cm of the tumour and intermediate LNs resulted in a mean LN number of 15·9, a sensitivity for overall node positivity of 97·5 per cent, and a survival benefit calculated as a therapeutic value index of 31·4 points. The additional removal of LNs more than 5 cm from the tumour and main LNs did not improve the staging accuracy, while adding only 3·4 points to the survival benefit.

Conclusion

Current guidelines may encourage needlessly extensive surgery. Clinical trials to establish the optimal extent of lymphadenectomy are warranted.

Growth pattern in the muscular layer reflects the biological behaviour of colorectal cancer

OBJECTIVE

To determine the clinical value of evaluating the cancer morphology in muscularis propria (MP) for colorectal cancer (CRC) patients.

METHOD

A total of 994 patients with advanced CRC were reviewed in terms of two distinctive growth patterns in the MP: (i) horizontal spread between the circular and longitudinal muscle layers (H-spread) and (ii) 'streaming' spread between the muscle bundles of the circular muscle layer (S-spread).

RESULTS

The incidence of H-spread (n = 153) and S-spread (n = 150) showed a positive correlation with tumour-node-metastasis (TNM) stage and both exerted a negative impact on postoperative survival. Adverse morphology in the MP (H-spread and/or S-spread) was consistent with a high grade of vascular invasion and budding in the extramural layer, as also with unfavourable fibrotic stromas in the reactive fibrous zone; the 5-year survival rate in patients with such features was 64.2%, which was lower than that in those without (86.5%, P < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that adverse morphology was an independent prognostic determinant, along with T- and N -stage. As the mode of H-spread, perineural invasion in the myenteric plexus was found to be predominant over lymphatic spread on the basis of S100 and CD34 immunostaining, but neural cell adhesion molecule expression, whether on cancer cells or on neural cells, was not significant for this growth pattern.

CONCLUSION

A particular group of CRCs ingeniously utilizes the thin space between muscle fascicles for development in the MP. Although the biological mechanism remains unknown, this distinctive growth pattern could be a useful indicator to identify CRC patients at high risk of recurrence.

Population structure and geographical subdivision of the Leishmania major vector Phlebotomus papatasi as revealed by microsatellite variation

Multi-locus microsatellite typing (MLMT) has been employed to infer the population structure of Phlebotomus papatasi (Scopoli) (Diptera: Psychodidae) sandflies and assign individuals to populations. Phlebotomus papatasi sandflies were collected from 35 sites in 15 countries. A total of 188 P. papatasi individuals were typed using five microsatellite loci, resulting in 113 different genotypes. Unique microsatellite signatures were observed for some of the populations analysed. Comparable results were obtained when the data were analysed with Bayesian model and distance-based methods. Bayesian statistic-based analyses split the dataset into two distinct genetic clusters, A and B, with further substructuring within each. Population A consisted of five subpopulations representing large numbers of alleles that were correlated with the geographical origins of the sandflies. Cluster B comprised individuals collected in the Middle East and the northern Mediterranean area. The subpopulations B1 and B2 did not, however, show any further correlation to geographical origin. The genetic differentiation between subpopulations was supported by F statistics showing statistically significant (Bonferroni-corrected P < 0.005) values of 0.221 between B2 and B1 and 0.816 between A5 and A4. Identification of the genetic structure of P. papatasi populations is important for understanding the patterns of dispersal of this species and to developing strategies for sandfly control.

Phase II study of irinotecan plus doxorubicin for early recurrent or platinum-refractory ovarian cancer: interim analysis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of irinotecan and doxorubicin in the treatment of patients with early recurrent or platinum-refractory ovarian cancer. Nineteen woman from five different institutions were treated. Two patients had platinum-refractory cancer, 11 had platinum-resistant disease, and 6 had platinum-sensitive tumors. An intravenous infusion of Irinotecan (50 mg/m(2)) was given on days 1, 8, and 15, while doxorubicin (40 mg/m(2)) was administered as an intravenous bolus on day 3. This treatment schedule was repeated every 4 weeks. Among the 13 patients defined as having platinum-refractory/platinum-resistant disease, 4 patients achieved a clinical response (30.8%, 95% CI: 9.1-61.4), while only one of 6 patients defined as having platinum-sensitive disease achieved a clinical response (16.7%, 95% CI: 0.4-64.1). Leukopenia and neutropenia were the major dose-limiting toxicities. Grade 3 or 4 leukopenia and neutropenia were noted in 24 (48%) and 33 (66%) of the courses, while febrile neutropenia occurred in 2 courses. Five patients (26%) had grade 2 or worse diarrhea during 7 courses. Our data demonstrated that this regimen might be comparable to standard approved agents in patients with early recurrent or platinum refractory ovarian cancer.

Morphological observations and the effects of artificial digestive fluids on the survival of Diploscapter coronata from a Japanese patient

Unusual non-human parasitic nematodes and eggs were detected in the faeces of an 8-year-old Japanese female suffering from Henoch-Schönlein purpura. The worms were adult female rhabditiform nematodes measuring 325.6-441.2 micro m in length and 18.3-26.5 micro m in width. One pair of the labia oris was notched with many spiny projections, while the other pair was strongly curved outwards. The worms were identified using light and scanning electron microscopy as the free-living nematode Diploscapter coronata (Cobb) based on their characteristic morphology. The patient's faeces containing worms and eggs were cultured using a filter-paper culture technique and after 7 days of culture, male as well as female worms were recovered. Worm survival time and hatchability of the eggs were examined in vitro after treatment with an artificial gastric or intestinal fluid. Although adult worms survived for less than one minute, eggs hatched after treatment with artificial gastric fluid. This suggests that eggs accidentally ingested or produced by adult D. coronata could develop in the human gastro-intestinal tract. Some morphological features of male D. coronata are also described.

ABCF2 expression in endometrial cancer and breast cancer

5035

Background: ABCF2 is a new member of the ATP-binding cassette transporter superfamily gene. We previously reported that ABCF2 protein is new biomarker in clear cell adenocarcinoma (CC) of the ovary and its expression may predict the response to chemotherapy and survival of CC patients (Proc ASCO 2005, Clin Cancer Res 2005). Both breast cancer (BC) and endometorial cancer (EC) are estrogen-dependent tumors, however, their biological behavior differ. In this study, we examined ABCF2 expression in EMCA and BC and evaluated the relationship between ABCF2 expression and clinical factor. Methods: Formalin-fixed surgical samples from 100 EMCA and 191 BC patients were included in this study. ABCF2 expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry. Positive expression of ABCF2 was > 10% based on the cytoplasmic staining. Results: Histologic types and stage were as followed: EMCA: (Endometrioid (EM): 92; Adenosquamous (AS): 8), (I: 63; II: 5; III: 30; IV: 2). BC: (Papillo tu (PP): 60; Solid tub (SL): 38; Scirrhous (SC): 77; Other (OT): 15). Breast cancer was sub-classified into 3 types according to the criteria of the Japanese Breast Cancer Society. The relationship between ABCF2 expression and histologic type was shown in table. In EMCA and BC, there were no significant relationship between ABCF2 expression and clinical factor like stage, histologic type, grade and estrogen receptor (ER). In EMCA, ABCF2 expression was not related with disease free survival (DFS). However, in BC, ABCF2-positive tumors had longer DFS than ABCF2-negative tumors (p = 0.03). The ABCF2 expression were correlated with further biological variables such as tumor stage, lympho node metastasis, nuclear grade and ER status for DFS by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Multivariate analysis revealed that ABCF2 was an independent prognostic factor (HR 0.46; p = 0.018). Conclusion: The role of ABCF2 protein may differ between EMCA and BC.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

ABCF2 expression may predict the prognosis of cervical cancer

5045

Background: ABCF2 is a new member of the ATP-binding cassette transporter superfamily gene. We previously reported that ABCF2 protein is new biomarker in clear cell adenocarcinoma (CC) of the ovary and its expression may predict the response to chemotherapy and survival of CC patients (Proc ASCO 2005, Clin Cancer Res 2005). In this study, we examined ABCF2 expression in cervical cancer (CACX) and evaluated the relationship between ABCF2 expression and clinical factor. Methods: Formalin-fixed surgical samples from one hundred fourty CACX were included in this study. ABCF2 expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry. Positive expression of ABCF2 was >10% based on the cytoplasmic staining. Results: One hundred fourty patients were included in this study. The clinical stage was I in 86 patients, II in 38 patients, III in 10 patients, and IV in 6 patients. Histologic types were squamous cell carcinoma (SC) in 101 patients and non-squamous cell carcinoma (NSC) in 39 patients. The positive rate of ABCF2 in advanced stage (III + IV) was significantly higher than it in early stage (I + II) (p = 0.03). However, histologic type was not related with ABCF2 expression (SC 49.5% vs NSC 59.0%, p = 0.35). ABCF2-negative tumors had longer overall survival (OS) than ABCF2-positive tumors (p = 0.0014). The ABCF2 expression were correlated with further biological variables such as age, tumor stage, and histologic type for OS rate by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Multivariate analysis revealed that stage and ABCF2 were independent prognostic factor (Hazards ratio (HR) = 4.66, p = 0.0005; HR = 0.34, p = 0.025). Conclusions: The role of ABCF2 protein may predict the prognosis of CACX.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Pretreatment COX-2 protein expression is a predictor of tumor regression in rectal cancer treated with preoperative short-term chemoradiotherapy

3610

Background: Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by total mesorectal excision has become a standard therapy for patients with rectal cancer. However, not all patients have a good response to CRT. Therefore, it is useful to know what the predictor of chemoradiotherapeutic response is. Cumulative evidence has shown that COX-2 has an important role in the progression of colorectal cancer. The aim of this study was to clarify whether pretreatment COX-2 protein expression was a predictor of histopathologic response in patients with rectal cancer treated with preoperative short-term chemoradiotherapy. Methods: Fifty-two patients with lower rectal cancer received short-term preoperative chemoradiotherapy (20 Gy given in 5 daily doses of 4 Gy and administration of Tegafur/Uracil 400mg/day during the same period), followed by total mesorectal excision at National Defense Medical College from 2001 to 2005. COX-2 expression before and after CRT was measured by immunoshistochemistry. The specimens were graded based on the intensity and extent of staining. Tumor regression grading (TRG) was also evaluated (TRG 4, complete regression; TRG 3, regression > 50%; TRG 2, 25% to 50%; TRG 1, < 25%; and TRG 0, no regression). The correlation between COX-2 expression and tumor regression was analyzed. Results: The patient characteristics were as follows: the male:female ratio was 36:16; median age was 62. The Median postoperative follow-up period was 30 months. Two patients had pathological complete response. Good response (TRG 3 + 4) was found in 57.7% of the resected specimens. COX-2 was positive in 80.8% of patients before CRT while in 100% after CRT. The rates of good response (TRG 3 + 4) in patients with and without COX-2 expression were 50% and 90%, respectively (p = 0.021). Conclusions: Patients without pretreatment COX-2 expression were more likely to demonstrate good response to treatment than those with COX-2 expression. Pretreatment COX-2 protein expression can predict response of CRT in patients with rectal cancer.

[Table: see text]

A comparison of CH3-DTPA-GD (NMS60) and GD-DTPA for evaluation of acute myocardial ischemia

PURPOSE

Our objective was to evaluate the use of a new medium weight MRI contrast agent, NMS60 (a synthetic oligomeric Gd-complex containing three Gd(3+) atoms, molecular weight 2158 Da) compared to gadolinium-diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) in a pig myocardial ischemia model.

MATERIALS

We used 13 male white hybrid pigs. Animals were scanned in the acute phase 2-3 h after the onset of myocardial ischemia. Scans were acquired on a 1.5T GE Signa with dynamic T1-weighted imaging during a bolus injection of 0.1 mmol(gd)/kg of either NMS60 or Gd-DTPA, 2D CINE at 5 min after injection, and T1-weighted spin-echo imaging up to 60 min.

RESULTS

The postcontrast CINE scans showed improved contrast-to-noise ratio after NMS60 injection, compared to Gd-DTPA. There was significantly greater enhancement with NMS60 in both normal myocardium and in the ischemic lesion on T1-weighted spin-echo scans up to 60 min after injection. The dose ranging study shows a 24% greater enhancement with NMS60 compared to Gd-DTPA.

DISCUSSION

This new medium weighted contrast agent offers improved enhancement for cardiac MRI, compared to Gd-DTPA, with similar washout kinetics and lower toxicity, and may prove useful for better detection of myocardial ischemia as well as delayed or hyperenhancement after reperfusion.

Phase I-II study of irinotecan (CPT-11) plus nedaplatin (254-S) with recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor support in patients with advanced or recurrent cervical cancer

Combination chemotherapy with irinotecan (CPT-11) and platinum compounds is effective for treating cervical cancer. Nedaplatin (254-S) is a new cisplatin analogue that achieves a high response rate (53%) in patients with primary cervical cancer. We performed a phase I-II study of combination chemotherapy with CPT-11 plus 254-S for advanced or recurrent cervical cancer. The inclusion criteria were stage IV disease or recurrence. CPT-11 and 254-S were administered intravenously on day 1, while rhG-CSF (50 microg) was given on days 3-12. This regimen was repeated after 4 weeks. Dose escalation was carried out in tandem (CPT-11/254-S: 50/70, 50/80, and 60/80 mg m(-2)). A total of 27 patients (stage IV=seven, recurrence=20) were enrolled. The phase I study enrolled eight patients. At dose levels 1 and 2, no dose-limiting toxicities were observed. At dose level 3, the first two patients developed DLTs. The maximum tolerated dose of CPT-11 and 254-S was 60 and 80 mg m(-2), respectively, and the recommended doses were 50 and 80 mg m(-2). Grade 3/4 haematologic toxicity occurred in 67% in phase II study, but there were no grade 3 non-haematologic toxicities except for nausea or lethargy. In all 27 patients, there were two complete responses (7%) and 14 Partial responses (52%), for an overall response rate of 59% (95% confidence interval: 39-78%). Among the 12 responders with recurrent disease, the median time to progression and median survival were 161 days (range: 61-711 days) and 415 days (range: 74-801 days). This new regimen is promising for cervical cancer.

A comparative evaluation of CH3-DTPA-Gd (NMS60) for contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography

In a canine model the signal dynamics of a new oligomer-based MR contrast agent (NMS60, 2158 Da) were compared to Gd-DTPA to investigate the agents' potential for magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). Twelve male mongrel dogs were imaged sequentially under anesthesia with two different MRA sequences (Tlw 3DSPGR). Initial enhancement was measured every 9 s for eight points in time. Thereafter, spatial highly resolved MRAs were obtained at 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, and 60 min post-injection of two different dosages. Over the first 20 s following bolus administration the average arterial enhancement of 0.1 mmol(Gd)kg NMS60 was 44% greater than Gd-DTPA. Twenty minutes post-injection the relative signal intensity of NMS60 was as high as the peak signal intensity with Gd-DTPA at the same dosage level (0.1 mmol(Gd)/kg). In the animals that received NMS60 injections the vascular conspicuity was overly superior to those who received Gd-DTPA. No significant toxicity effects were noted for either dosage level. The intermediate weight contrast agent NMS60 offers greater vascular enhancement and retention time than Gd-DTPA. For a given set of optimized imaging parameters this offers improved spatial details, less arterial/venous overlap, and better vascular contrast.

Sequence variation of the cytochrome b gene of various human infecting members of the genus Leishmania and their phylogeny

The Cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene has proved to be useful for identification and classification of many mammals and plants. In order to evaluate the utility of this gene for discrimination of Leishmania parasites as well as for exploring their phylogenetic relationships, we determined the nucleotide sequences of the Cyt b gene from 13 human-infecting Leishmania species (14 strains) from the New and Old Worlds. The Cyt b genes, approximately 1080 base pairs, were found to be A/T rich, and their 5' terminal-editing regions were highly conserved. The nucleotide sequence variation among them was enough to discriminate parasite species; 245 nucleotide positions were polymorphic and 190 positions were parsimony informative. The phylogenetic relationships based on this gene, showed good agreement with the classification of Lainson & Shaw (1987) except for the inclusion of L. (L.) major in the L. (L.) tropica complex and the placement of L. tarentolae in another genus. These data show that the Cyt b gene is useful for phylogenetic study of Leishmania parasites.